Industry All Access Exclusive
A poor harvest in North America last year is combining with hot weather and war in Europe to constrain supply and raise prices. However, there are reasons to be optimistic. Here’s what you need to know to stay on top of your malt supply.
Farmers harvest barley in Washington’s Walla Walla Valley. Photo: Courtesy Mainstem Malt.
The sky isn’t falling in Big Sky Country, but 2021 was an undeniably bad year for much of North America’s barley crop. Heat and drought dealt an uncommonly poor hand to growers in Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota, as well as in Canada’s Prairie Provinces. With both average yields and stocks much lower than they have been in years, industry experts looked anxiously to the immediate future, raising fears about pricing, quality, and availability.
Access All of the Brewing Industry Guide
Subscribe today to access all of the in-depth brewing stories & advice you won't find anywhere else (including this article). Subscription includes unlimited access to every brewing report, brewing course (60+), article, video (55+), magazine issue (40+), and more.